Petra, known as Raqmu to its inhabitants, is a historic city in southern Jordan famous for its rock-cut architecture and water systems. Called the “Rose City” due to its pink sandstone, it was the capital of the Nabataean Kingdom. Inhabited since 7000 BC, it thrived as a trading hub until its decline after the Roman conquest in 106 AD. Rediscovered in 1812, It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Jordan’s top tourist attraction, drawing nearly a million visitors annually.
Roman period
Further information: History of the Romans in Arabia
In AD 106, It became the capital of the Roman province Arabia Petraea under Governor Cornelius Palma. The city thrived, but its decline began when trade shifted to Palmyra. It remained a religious center, with roads built to revive trade. Emperor Hadrian visited in 130 AD, naming it Hadriānī Petra Metropolis.
Despite imperial interest, there was little new development. By the 3rd century, It was declared a Roman colony and became part of the province of Palaestina Salutaris. Petra is depicted on the Madaba mosaic map from Emperor Justinian’s reign.
Byzantine period
Petra declined under Roman rule due to changing trade routes and a devastating earthquake in 363 that damaged buildings and water systems. It became the capital of the Byzantine province Palaestina III, and churches from this period were excavated.
The Byzantine Church, noted for its architecture, housed 140 papyri showing the city thrived in the 6th century. The last mention of Byzantine Petra is in the 7th century, when its bishopric was transferred to Areopolis. It is not referenced in accounts of the Muslim conquest or early Islamic records.
Crusaders and Mamluks
In the 12th century, Crusaders built fortresses like Alwaeira Castle in Petra but later abandoned the area. As a result, It’s location was forgotten until the 19th century. Two other Crusader castles, al-Wu’ayra and one on el-Habis, are also found near Petra. The ruins intrigued visitors during the Middle Ages, including Baibars, a Mamluk sultan of Egypt, who visited in the late 13th century.
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